Nazri: MCA, MIC free to leave BN, not a loss to coalition

- Bernama

PETALING JAYA: MCA and MIC are free to leave Barisan Nasional if they want to do so, says Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.

The Barisan secretary-general said such a move will not be viewed as a loss for the coalition, if both parties are no longer interested to be part of it.

“They are free to find new alliances and move on with the other parties that have left Barisan after the 14th General Election.

“I do not think it is a loss,” he said on Monday (March 4).

Nazri said this after MCA and MIC decided that they are left with no choice but to move on from Barisan and explore a new alliance to reflect the true intentions of unity in diversity.

Their statement also described Nazri's appointment as Barisan's secretary-general as illegal and not recognised by MCA and MIC.

It said the uncalled for racial remarks by Nazri in Semenyih have further damaged the ties between the three founding parties.

Nazri’s repeated racial remarks perceived to be from Umno, and the party’s continued silence has cracked the foundation of mutual respect that Barisan has stood for, the statement said.

In response, Nazri reminded the parties that he was appointed the coalition's secretary-general by Barisan’s chairman.

"The chairman has the right to appoint the secretary-general," said Nazri.

He also denied making any racial statements when campaigning in the Semenyih by-election.

“I am wondering if any of the leaders understand that I have denied making such statements,” he said.

Nazri added that in looking to move forward with new alliances, Barisan was prepared to work with PAS, Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma), Makkal Sakti and other parties that shared the same vision as the coalition.

“We also have direct membership for those who are interested to support us. They do not have to be Umno members for example, but they can still support us.

“There is no problem,” he said.